Director, Product Development

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director, Product Development will lead the creation, execution, and management of end-to-end product development strategies across a defined product category. This leader is accountable for delivering profitable, user-centric programs that align with brand and business objectives. The role involves deep collaboration with design, engineering, supply chain, quality, and commercial teams to ensure all products are delivered on time, on cost, and on spec. The Director will drive excellence in process, product, and people, ensuring team performance and product success throughout the development lifecycle.

Responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to the following:

• Product Strategy & Development Leadership: Drive the full lifecycle of product development—through mass production— ensuring continued portfolio growth and consumer relevance.
• Design & Engineering Management: Lead the design and development process, partnering with engineering and industrial design teams to deliver user-driven, innovative solutions.
• Consumer Testing: Work to establish consumer testing protocols, translating feedback into actionable design updates and final product specifications.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Supply Chain, Sourcing, Merchandising, and Supply Planning to ensure seamless product execution, sourcing alignment, and cost efficiency.
• Project Management Excellence: Oversee timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure on-time, on-cost execution, using strong organizational and communication skills to navigate challenges and keep projects on track.
• Performance Standards: Define and own product performance targets, working with quality and testing teams to establish and validate durability, reliability, and experience benchmarks.
• Category Expertise: Act as the go-to expert on product technical knowledge, answering questions and offering guidance to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership.
• Cost Management: Monitor and manage product cost structures, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement cost rationalization initiatives.
• Post-Purchase Support: partner in the development of troubleshooting materials and FAQs to support exceptional post-purchase customer experiences.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a high-performing team (Intern through Manager level), providing coaching, development, and accountability to ensure product and professional success.
• Inspiration & Culture: Model positive and respectful collaboration to cultivate an environment that reflects the company’s vision, values, and performance culture.

To join our band, you'll need the following experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Design, Product Development, or a related field.
• 8–10+ years of progressive experience in product development or category management within consumer goods or retail.
• Demonstrated success managing complex product lifecycles and delivering high-quality, profitable products to market.
• Strong project management skills with experience leading cross-functional teams through ambiguity and execution challenges.
• Deep understanding of design thinking, user testing, and technical product development processes.
• Skilled at working with supply chain and sourcing teams to ensure alignment on quality, cost, and manufacturability.
• Excellent interpersonal, conflict resolution, and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to manage cost structures, interpret performance data, and influence strategic decisions.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams.

Why Guitar Center? Here’s just some of the rewards:

For our employees who are musicians we offer the unique opportunity of gig leave—take time off to share your music with the world and return to your job after your tour! Guitar Center offers robust benefits and perks, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K plus company match, mental health support, paid sick/holiday/vacation time, employee discount program, and tuition reimbursement options.